Seven NZ churches targeted in suspected arson spree

Seven churches person been targeted successful a suspected arson onslaught that occurred overnight successful New Zealand.

Four churches successful the municipality of Masterton, northbound of the superior Wellington, sustained "moderate to significant" damage, portion grounds was recovered to suggest 3 much buildings had been targeted but did not drawback fire.

Crews from crossed the Wairarapa portion responded to the fires astatine astir 04:30 section clip connected Saturday (15:30 GMT connected Friday).

"The fires are being treated arsenic suspicious and person been referred to police," a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said. No arrests person been made.

The Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton were each acceptable connected fire, authorities said.

Descriptions of breached windows, burnt chairs and scorched upholstery person been reported successful section media. All fires person been extinguished and no-one was injured.

Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said the evident attacks had shocked the community, adding that they had travel retired of the blue.

He told section media: "You conscionable don't expect thing this benignant of happening to happen, and peculiarly successful a spot similar Masterton."

Local MP Mike Butterick expressed his "deep sorrow" and described archetypal responders arsenic "heroes" successful a statement.

A ceremonial location successful the aforesaid country which contains a chapel was besides acceptable connected occurrence astatine astir 10:00, but nary 1 was successful the building.

Police stay astatine the country and are asking witnesses to travel forward.

Officers volition besides beryllium conducting patrols successful Masterton to reassure residents passim Saturday, and successful the adjacent towns of Featherston and Carterton.

A video circulating connected societal media shows a antheral claiming work for the attacks, expressing anti-religious and anti-monarchist sentiments.

Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand person been approached for further comment.

Religious buildings successful New Zealand person suffered a spate of arson attacks successful caller years.

Last year, a religion spot successful Auckland was subjected to 2 arson attacks successful the aforesaid night. A mosque was besides acceptable connected occurrence successful the aforesaid country successful November.

In 2019, 51 radical were murdered astatine 2 wide shootings successful mosques successful Christchurch. The antheral liable Brenton Tarrant said helium had besides planned to burn down the mosques, wanting to "inflict arsenic galore fatalities arsenic possible".